Lead Relay / Protection & Control Technician (Utility-Focused)
Location: Kentucky (Regional travel supporting utility projects across KY and surrounding Midwest states)
About the Role
Our client is a rapidly growing electrical services firm specializing in utility protection and control, relay testing, and field execution across transmission and distribution systems. Due to increased demand and the launch of a new strategic utility customer in Kentucky, they are seeking a senior, autonomous Lead Relay / P&C Technician to support high-visibility utility work.
This role requires a technician who can vet at the Lead level, operate independently in live substations, and represent the company professionally with utility partners. This is not a developmental position.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a Lead Relay / P&C Technician on utility-facing projects
- Execute testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of protection systems in transmission and distribution substations
- Lead field execution for:
- Protective relays (electromechanical, solid-state, and microprocessor-based)
- Control schemes and protection logic verification
- End-to-end relay testing and functional validation
- Act as the primary technical and professional interface with utility personnel
- Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols and stop work when conditions are unsafe
- Support outage planning and execution, including extended or high-visibility outages
- Accurately document test results, deficiencies, and field reports
- Mentor assistants or junior technicians when paired, without compromising execution quality
Required Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Lead Relay / Protection & Control Technician
- Ability to vet and perform at a Lead level with minimal supervision
- Strong utility-facing background in transmission and distribution substations
- Demonstrated safety-first mindset with the confidence to challenge unsafe conditions
- Strong communication skills and professional field presence
Preferred Qualifications
- LG&E vetted or prior direct experience supporting LG&E projects
- Experience working within Midwest utility systems (LG&E, Duke, AEP, FirstEnergy, or similar)
- Proven history of leading outage-driven work in live substations
- Regional familiarity with Kentucky and surrounding service territories
- Experience leading assistants or small field teams in utility environments
Compensation
- Hourly pay range: $70–$85/hour, based on experience, scope, and successful lead-level technical vetting
- Overtime opportunities depending on project workload
Candidates must demonstrate lead-level capability during technical vetting to qualify for this compensation range.
Per Diem, Vehicle & Field Support
- Per diem paid 7 days per week, regardless of days worked:
- 4-day schedule: approximately $910/week
- 5-day schedule: approximately $1,155/week
- Adjusted upward when cost-of-living requires
Choice of:
- Company truck with fuel card (take-home), or
- Vehicle stipend (paid on days worked)
- All required tools, PPE, and FR gear provided
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (family included)
- 401(k) with company match
- Strong safety culture led by field-experienced leadership
Why This Role
- High-visibility utility account launch in Kentucky
- Strong backlog and long-term utility relationships
- Leadership that understands field execution and safety realities
- Opportunity to serve as a cornerstone lead resource, not a headcount filler
Important Note for Candidates
This role is intended for senior, autonomous professionals. Candidates seeking assistant-level or developmental roles should not apply unless paired with an experienced lead.
- Hourly pay range: $70–$85/hour, based on experience, scope, and successful lead-level technical vetting
- Overtime opportunities depending on project workload
Candidates must demonstrate lead-level capability during technical vetting to qualify for this compensation range.